Chapter One

London 1837

“It’s the duchess, Ella Montgomerie, to see you, Sir.”

The Earl of Blackmore, Black to his friends, set his pen in its holder before leaning back in his chair. In front of him he clasped his hands. His brows drew together while he digested the fact the woman, the duchess, was here to see him. He couldn’t think of one reason for her appearance at his country estate, since the location was not amenable to calls. The visit must be important. He owned fifty square miles a considerable distance from London. The land was his home away from Lakota territory in the states. Here he could act as he pleased. He could strip to his breechclout then ride the countryside. His war cry would be heard only by the nearby animals. The scents didn’t remind him of the prairie, though they were distinctive in their own way. He felt comfortable in the country, much more so than in the city. Though this land was nothing like the land of his birth.

A long slow breath of air sifted through his lips. The sixth sense he always relied on kicked in as the fine hairs on the back of his neck bristled. Ella was up to something. He’d just have to wait a few minutes to discover her ruse. “Show her in. Bring some refreshments as well. I’m certain she will be in need of something tasty to eat after such a long trip. If not hungry, she’ll undoubtedly be thirsty. I want my finest Bordeaux to tempt her pallet.”

“She has a young lady with her.”

Sitting up straight, his interest grew. His eyes narrowed. His gut clenched. He didn’t want anything to do with young ladies, a debutante, no doubt. What the devil was she doing bringing a young woman to his home? The humble abode of a notorious rake and womanizer? He certainly was not husband material, never would be. All she could do was hurt this lady’s reputation.

“Perhaps lemonade with the snacks would be appropriate. How old is the girl?” Curiosity multiplied.

“You will have to ask the ladies.” Abernathy clucked his tongue as if he had asked something ridiculous. “Don’t you understand it is not fashionable to ask a woman her age?”

Ah, Abernathy was correct, one didn’t ask a lady how old she was. Not if a man wanted to keep his head attached to his shoulders. No, the asking of age would be far too delicate a question for him. His butler was spot on in his assessment of the situation.

“No courage, eh?” Black asked as he straightened the papers and folders littered on his desk. He didn’t have the fortitude either. A guess of his own when he saw the girl would have to suffice.

“Courage with the ladies is your department, Sir. I would never do half the things that seem to occupy your free time.” A smirk on his thin lips, Abernathy, his thin shoulders squared, left the room backing away and closing the doors as he disappeared. “I will show the ladies in.”

Seconds later the door opened. Ella Montgomerie entered with a young woman behind her. The duchess was still a striking woman as she passed into her forties. Not one gray hair on her head. Her eyes flashed with amusement when she looked at him.

Extending his hand in greeting, Black walked around his desk. When the woman stepped to Ella’s side, his heart stopped. His breath caught somewhere in the back of his throat. Sluggishly, the startled organ began to beat again. Hot air rasped raggedly into his beleaguered lungs. He placed a kiss on the back of Ella’s hand before looking back to the ravishing young woman standing behind and to the side.

Except for the curves of her sumptuous bosom, she was rail thin, her eyes a deep dark blue reminding him of the color of a vibrant blue lake deep in Lakota territory; her hair the darkest brown with hints of red highlighting some strands where the sun caught and held. She possessed a pert nose coupled with high cheekbones. Her neck was long, alabaster in color, needing to be explored by his lips. While he stared at her, the pulse at the base of that long neck throbbed invitingly. He wondered if she thought about a man’s touch, a man kissing her in that spot where his gaze rested. He wondered then of the intelligence of Ella for introducing him to the most exquisite creature he ever set eyes upon.

The young lady smiled at him, the gesture reaching clearly to her eyes. This woman was no coquette. The smile was honest while the slow curve of her plump bottom lip stole thoughts from his head. Once again, his breath caught in the back of his throat, which he cleared. Those eyes twinkled merrily as if the joke was on him. Boldly, she tilted her head a bit to the side as if perusing him from the top of his head to the tips of his toes if she could have seen them. Somehow, he understood her intent. Indeed, the way Ella stared at him, the jest might be on him. Startlingly changing his mind about the circumstances, he didn’t mind if her visit concerned the girl. He would step up to the job.

“What brings you here?” Black had the decided feeling he wasn’t going to like her answer.

Possibly, he might like it too much. His friend tread on dangerous ground. In the darkest recesses of his mind, he understood his life was about to be turned topsy-turvy. If he told her no, she would remind him that he owed her. If he told her no, he might regret the decision for the rest of his life. Also, he wondered how long she would capitalize on the fact he owed her. She used that ploy once before. She was solely responsible for his position here in London. She and the duke saved his life. She used her influence to secure his title after his grandfather died. He was the only son of the previous earl. Sometimes, however, he missed his days on the prairie. Missed the hunting of buffalo along with the freedom, the warmth of the sun on his bare torso.

The immense freedom he didn’t have here.

“I’ve a favor.”

He’d come around to stand in front of his desk. Now he leaned against the wooden structure, one leg swinging, his thoughts in a tail spin as he tried to keep his gaze from the young lady who had all the markings of a debutante. This was the season. “That seems to be when you visit. Isn’t it? When you have a boon to request?” Black watched her stiffen, her displeasure clearly written in her expressive features. Obviously, she didn’t like being reminded. “My apology. Didn’t mean anything by that comment. You know I would do anything for you. Except perhaps murder. Just a bit testy this afternoon.”

She laughed at his statement. “Actually, that statement is not factual. Though we both understand I would never ask you to kill anyone for me. Murder is so messy. Bodies are always hard to dispose of…cleanly.”

Her chin lifted just as one would expect of a duchess. Admirably, she fit the role. She had years to fine-tune the characteristics.

“You do have to admit though…”

He didn’t think the moment too prudent to belabor the point. He motioned to the girl at her side. “Do have a seat, both of you. After Abernathy brings the refreshments, we can get on with this favor you’re requesting. I would like to learn what is expected of me.”

“You needn’t act so put out. This will take little effort on your part.” Ella straightened her skirts before smoothing the fabric. “You might even enjoy the task.”

“Perhaps you’ve forgotten the introduction. Leaving something so important out is not like you, Duchess. Besides I’ve the distinct feeling this unannounced visit of yours has something to do with this young lady. Is she another one of your charges? I do pray you do better with this girl than you did with the last one.”

Ella looked away for a moment, her cheeks suddenly sporting a delightful shade of pink. So, this was something she was having trouble asking. In that case, the task would certainly not be to his liking. As he guessed, it must have something to do with the young lady sitting not so demurely at her side studying him. The duchess understood that fact too. The girl was part of the favor. He supposed he would have to take her to one of those infuriatingly boring balls the debutantes flaunted in search of a husband. He could handle a ball or a recital for Ella, nothing else.

Before Ella could proceed, he stood, his hand outstretched. He wasn’t about to get hoodwinked into escorting a debutante without putting up a bit of a fight. What the devil was the duchess thinking? His reputation alone would end her season, which was now beginning in the worst way. “No, Ella. My answer is an emphatic no. You do understand I would not be in her best interest. She can’t possibly be seen with the likes of me. This beautiful young lady would find herself ostracized. No one would accept her.”

“This is Lyssa Andrews, my niece, my sister’s daughter. As you know my sister lives northwest of Baltimore. They own a ranch. Lyssa is very important to me, you see. I wouldn’t ask this favor of anyone I could not trust with my life or hers. You would never do harm to a young lady who is so very significant to me. As you are thinking, she is here for the season.”

“No.”

“You owe me, Black. It will only be for a few days, a few weeks at the most.”

Ella looked away for a second. The tone of voice she gifted him with brooked no argument from him.

His stomach clenched, as he understood all too clearly he would eventually give in to the duchess’ request. The young lady grinned an all-knowing smile that reached into his soul, possibly even his heart. No woman ever moved him so swiftly and so urgently, never reaching into his jaded heart. He might be doomed before he began. Ella shifted in her chair. His answer remained the same. “No.” He wasn’t going to give in easily even though they both understood he would.

“Please.”

How could he refuse when she asked him so sweetly? “A few weeks of my life, you say. I won’t be saddled watching over a debutante. Good God, woman, you know who I am. Better than most you understand my reputation along with my history. This is the single most ridiculous notion I’ve ever heard.”

“You’re right. I understand exactly who you are as does the duke, my husband. Indeed, this was his suggestion. I agreed. Despite your reputation you would protect Lyssa with your life. You would make sure no one would take advantage of her as Collin McInnis did with Nickie. You are the only man for the job. She must have a protector we can trust. With this short notice, you are the only one we could both agree on to do the job.”

Well, hell, a protector? Her definition sounded as if she asked him to be something besides a chaperone. “I cannot be a chaperone to a debutante. That in and of itself will tarnish Miss Andrews’ reputation. It is a ridiculous notion. I’m never seen at the affairs she will be expected to attend. I don’t go to balls or recitals. Don’t travel in those circles. Won’t receive invitations.”

“I will have the invitations forwarded to you as they come in to my home. My secretary is quite good at that.”

“It seems you have an answer for everything.”

He grimaced as his gaze rested once more on Lyssa Andrews then on her lush curves, her bosom rising and falling delightfully. His astonishment lit on the fact she was enjoying herself. This tête-à-tête amused her.

“Good,” Lyssa spoke up, a devilish smirk on her lovely face. She winked. “I’d rather be outside riding than attending balls or recitals. Do you ride, Mr. Black? I promise you the man who wins my heart will have to ride and shoot as good as my daddy. Do you shoot, Mr. Black? Can you hit anything except the broadside of a barn? Can you ride a horse as if you are one with the animal?” she challenged every part of him. “There is no one in London who can accomplish what I’ve described. There will be no reason for you to put yourself out by taking me to a boring ball. As to recitals, I cannot sing or play any instrument.”

Ella smiled, momentarily dropping her lashes. Black was positive she was trying to hold back laughter that by the look of her, the hoot threatened to erupt from behind her teeth. Hells bells, he was half Lakota Sioux. He lived the first fifteen years of his life doing little except ride and hunt. He knew he could outride as well as outshoot her daddy no matter how well the man sat a horse.

“I ride, as well as shoot admirably. Rather doubt though if I can do anything as good as your daddy. Rumors abound about Damian Andrews’ abilities of that nature.”

Yes, Damian was a smuggler in his younger days. Rumor had it he kidnapped Amorica. Amorica shot him because of his profession. Seems he also heard the injury was only a flesh wound. That was over twenty years ago. Now he was about to be saddled with their daughter. Did they have any idea who he was? Apparently not. Ella knew though.

“You’re too modest by far,” Ella murmured thoughtfully as she gazed at her niece then back to him. “Suppose she will make you prove your statement. Lyssa doesn’t believe an English dandy can do anything of that nature. I’m sure you will manage to surprise her, possibly even impress her with your talent.”

Black moved to sit behind his desk. Tapping his fingers on the top, he wondered what the little minx was thinking in tossing out that challenge. Ella must not have told her about his background. No, she would leave all that to unfold naturally. The duchess still didn’t refute the fact he was the farthest thing from an English dandy a man could get.

“So, if I agree…”

“Which you have,” Ella interrupted. “There was no question in my mind. I’ve known Lyssa her entire life. There is no better man suited for this job than you.” She paused for a few seconds. “Since you owe me.”

“What are my duties? When do they begin?”

He was resigned. The little lady seemed to be a thought-provoking bit of frippery. She might prove to be entertainment of the best sort. In any case, he didn’t think she would prove boring.

“Now, this moment. Her trunks are even now being unloaded. Abernathy has directed your servants to take them to a suitable room. For propriety she should be ensconced in the wing opposite your chambers. By the way, where is Still Water Runs? I expected him to be here. He is usually a shadow to you.”

“Running an errand for me. Why?” he gritted out all the while still wishing he dared say no to the duchess.

He couldn’t. Never could. When Ella smiled at him, all his resolve vanished. By looking at Lyssa, her smiles might have the same effect. He would have to harden his determination to stand by his dictates. Debutantes were out of bounds to him just as white women were.

“About time you asked.”

She rose, walking to the window that overlooked the back of his estate. He didn’t have perfectly manicured gardens or a gazebo. His land was natural, extended several miles to the east and north. A large stream meandered through the middle. There was a small pool at the border where he swam naked. Even in the summer the water was cool to the skin.

“This situation you’re in is all because of your friend, Collin McInnis. You can put this quandary you are now involved in directly on his doorstep. He absconded with my niece, right under my nose. I had no idea. Thought she went back to the McClellan keep. By the time we figured it all out, well, it’s been several weeks since she left with the bounder.”

He tried to recall if he had heard gossip about his friend in the last few days or even weeks as the duchess implied. Rumor had it he kidnapped a young woman thinking the lady was his mistress. That was all he heard. “Another notorious rake who I’m positive you would not entrust with one of your charges. Am I right? Now tell me, what has he done?”

“You understand exactly why I trust you with Lyssa.”

He grimaced thinking about the hardened lesions on his back. Because of his audacity to court a white girl, he was whipped nearly to death. Ella along with Drake saved him. Brought him to England to claim his inheritance as well as his title. “Unfortunately, I do. Now tell me what Collin has to do with my chaperoning this young lady despite my character.”

“He absconded with Nickie Gray, another one of my charges. Drake is determined to make him pay, as is her father. They mean to chase him down. I have to go with the men to make sure they don’t do something they will regret, as in hang him from the yardarm of his ship.”

“Collin left for home over a week ago. No, it’s drawing closer to two weeks, maybe more. You say he took your niece with him? He wouldn’t do that.”

“He did,” she shot out angrily, her lips tightening into a thin line. “He took her on his ship. We didn’t learn of this until her brother returned from McClellan land to tell us she wasn’t there.”

“I assume you know this for a fact. Kidnapping is a serious charge.”

“You doubt the ability of my husband, the former spy, to ferret out all the facts. He still has numerous contacts in the bureau as well as out. Collin took her.”

“She went willingly. You can’t blame this situation all on Collin. He would never abscond with an unwilling woman.”

“Probably. She is willful. We all are,” Lyssa spoke up in the middle of their argument.

“Neither will appreciate interference,” Black reminded her.

“Nickie didn’t want a season. Collin McInnis might just be taking her home,” Lyssa spoke up again, gracing him with another smile coupled with a subtle flick of her hair, “Although it’s apparent neither of you believe that scenario. I do agree with Mr. Black. Nickie won’t want interference from her family. I’m certain she is pleasing herself. Just as I plan on doing the same as soon as I find the man I want for the rest of my life. I won’t stick to social rules. I will satisfy myself while enjoying the man of my dreams. Just as a man has that opportunity…to please himself…so should a woman.”

The Earl of Blackmore couldn’t stifle the groan rumbling from his gut. This could be the longest few weeks of his life.

“Her wishes don’t make a difference,” Ella said. She leaned against the window frame. Her gaze centered on him. “You do see why we must go. I’m traveling with the men to make sure nothing gets out of hand when they find the two lovers.”

“You don’t know they are lovers.”

“No, but I assume the worst in hopes of discovering a different scenario.”

“Guess that’s prudent.”

“You do still own that hunting lodge in the farthest reaches of Scotland. Do you think he would take her there?”

Black leaned against the back of his chair, his legs crossed in front of him, watching Lyssa. She seemed to be studying him. Brazen chit. She was blatant about what she did. Once more, her gaze roamed the length of him. He might be able to deal well with her for a few days; a few weeks, never. Hell, it would take more than that amount of time to sail to his lodge then back. More than a month would pass before he saw any sign of the duchess.

“Collin understands he will always be welcome there. He knows I’ve no plans to travel that far north until the fall.”

“I don’t understand why you are in such a rush to find her. She won’t be a virgin when you catch up to her,” Lyssa said as her gaze raked over him, centered on his mouth before dipping lower.

Fortunately, once again the desk hid the direction of her gaze from her view.

Shameless piece of baggage. He fought the tightening of his body. Fought the rising of his lust, the swelling of his rod. Bloody eyes, she wasn’t for him. She was white. Would never presume to court a woman of her caliber. He learned his lesson. Once was enough for a lifetime. He was now this white girl’s chaperone. It would be despicable of him to take advantage of the situation. If this one acted the same as the other one, perhaps Collin was the victim instead of Ella’s niece.

Second along with third thoughts assailed him. He scowled at Lyssa when once again her gaze roamed his body. The young lady had the audacity to smirk. She knew exactly what she did. His scowl deepened.

“What do I have to look forward to?” he asked once more as he tried to focus his attention on Ella who seemed oblivious of her niece’s blatant perusal of his body.

“You are stuffy now, aren’t you?” Lyssa asked interrupting her aunt’s reply.

Her stare riveted once more on his mouth. She moistened her lips, leaving an inviting dewy trail of temptation.

“Stodgy,” Ella corrected her. “He is known as the stodgy Earl of Blackmore, not stuffy.”

Black directed his attention to Ella this time. “Perhaps we should get on with my duties.”

“You’re committing. I knew you would.”

He nodded, his gaze moving back to Lyssa, determined to keep a strong hand where she was concerned. Letting her out of his site for even one second was out of the question, could even be disastrous. This girl, as immature as she was, would not run away with a man under his watch. Unless that man is me. He meant to stay close.

“Guess I am. Did I have a choice? So, what is the first debutante affair she will attend? Do hope she has a wardrobe ready.”

Black chuckled. He didn’t think Lyssa would like him to help pick out her gowns. He would make sure she was covered to her chin if he could manage the task. With her bosom, she needed fabric between her and the prying eyes of the lords seeking a young wife.

“Lyssa has more than enough to suffice for the next few weeks. You will not have to help her with her clothing.”

“If you’re gone longer?” he queried lifting a dark brow skyward in deep speculation.

Bloody hell, he hoped this trip they were taking would end up being shorter rather than longer. He understood deep down it would be longer.

“Then of course you will have to accompany her to the dress shop. The modiste we most often use has her measurements. There will be little for you to do except make sure what she purchases is appropriate.”

His frown lines deepened before he turned his attention to Lyssa with a smirk. “It will, of course, be my pleasure to accompany her. Anything for you, Duchess.”

Coquettishly, Lyssa lowered her lashes before she stared at him again. His gut tightened. Her lower lip slipped beneath her teeth. He thought she needed discipline. Perhaps she understood life would not be quite the same with him, as it would have been living at Montgomerie Hall.

“Tomorrow night is her first ball. The invitation is here.” Ella fished the gold engraved paper from her reticule before handing it over to Black.

He swallowed a deep breath of air as he studied the invitation. His gut tightened. This was his worst nightmare coming to fruition. “We will stay in my townhouse for the night. First thing in the morning we will travel to London so she can prepare herself.”

“I’d rather go riding, or fishing,” Lyssa said sweetly before adding a saucy smile for more affect.

What effect she was trying for, he wasn’t positive. What he knew was that this spicy girl was trouble of the worst sort. This kind of behavior would have her increasing sooner than later. His breath left him in a slow whistle. She would be a handful.

So are her breasts. Possibly two handfuls.

This wasn’t at all what he should be thinking. Ella would have his head if she understood the drift of his thoughts. With his eyes closed, he could almost taste her sweetness. She wasn’t sweet. No, she was spicey and hot. His scowl deepened further, if that was at all possible. This lady wasn’t for him. She was white, snow white, pure white, impossibly white. New fallen snow would not be whiter.

Bloody eyes, she was a debutante, innocent, a virgin. He meant to remind himself every day that he was her chaperone. She wanted to ride instead of dance. The deal was, he wouldn’t mind a good hard ride with her. Either kind. He groaned again. What the devil was Ella thinking leaving her with him? His thoughts were drowning him.

“Would you like to stay for dinner? Black asked as he rose from his chair meaning to summon Abernathy.

“No, Drake and I are leaving first thing in the morning. The ship sails with the tide. Don’t believe Drake would be pleased if I detain the sailing. He’s in a bloody hurry to get his hands on the McInnis. He’d most likely go without me. I cannot let that scenario play out. Drake sent a guard in case it gets dark before I reach London. So, no worries in that regard.”

Ella placed a kiss on Lyssa’s cheek. “You behave yourself, sweetheart. If you don’t, I’ll have to answer to your mother, my sister.”

She turned to Black. “Don’t let her do something she’ll regret. I trust you implicitly. Don’t forget she is my sister’s daughter and very dear to me.”

Lyssa walked out with Ella. He chose to stay in his office until he heard the door close.

A few minutes later, Lyssa stood in the doorway. She was beautiful. “Can we ride?” Pink rose to her cheeks. “Can I pick out a horse? Aunty Ella told me you have about ten horses. She also said there is an Appaloosa you brought over from the states.” She whirled to leave the room or to show her ankles as if she was certain he would follow.

When he didn’t trail along behind her, she was back in his office. “Don’t you think you should dress for dinner?” he asked.

“Thought we were riding. Doesn’t take me only a few minutes to change my dress. Dinner won’t be for another couple of hours. We have time.”

She grabbed his arm, attempting to tug him along with her.

“You actually believe I would let you go now? Before we get a few things straight between us? There are rules for you to know, to learn as well as to obey. Consequences, too, if you misbehave. Don’t want anything to happen to you on my watch.”

He tried not to smirk at her horrified expression, which turned from an arrogant grin to a scowl. Bemused, he waited for a comment or two. He didn’t doubt there would be more than one remark coming from her saucy mouth. If he was putting his life on hold, she would do things his way.

“I don’t misbehave unless I’m living with a tyrant,” she shot out as she turned to flounce from the room, seemed to think better of her actions as she reappeared. “Not that I think that’s what you are. Just stuffy!”

“Stodgy,” he corrected with a chuckle then motioned to a chair near his desk. “Have a seat.”

“Don’t care for lemonade.” She poured herself a glass of brandy. Smirked at him as if she wanted him to comment on her faux pas. “Cheers.” She downed a healthy portion.

“By all means help yourself.”

She placed herself on a wing chair in front of his desk. It was where she sat earlier. “Get on with it. Tell me all your stuffy rules.”

She sipped watching him with her vibrant blue eyes over the rim of the crystal she held to her lips.

“You will have gentlemen callers. They will meet with my approval before you go anywhere with them. There will be no rakes. I won’t tolerate that.”

“No notorious rakes for me.” She grinned. “Well one, I guess one is meant to be in my future.”

She winked at him. Had the mettle to beam shamelessly. She shifted her position in the chair, her bosom making its debut more prominently than before. “You needn’t worry overmuch. Already know the notorious rake I want to court me.”

“Care to enlighten me? Give me a heads up so I can prepare myself. If need be, I will chase him off.”

He lifted an eyebrow mockingly. This would be easier to keep her away from an unsuitable man if he knew who that man was. Any rake notorious or otherwise was unsuitable.

“You’ll have to discover that for yourself,” she taunted flashing a devastating grin. “I’ve made up my mind though. Nothing you can do or say will discourage me.”

“Good God, Lyssa, you’ve been in the city for a week. This is going to be your first ball. How could you have met someone so soon?”

“Just met the man today.”

Her smile widened. Behind her lips her straight teeth were pearly white her cheeks flushed a light shade of pink. The fingers holding her brandy glass were slim and long. They were also nicely manicured.

He ran that over in his head until the thought had nowhere to travel. Ah, he would discover who this mystery man was she favored soon he supposed. Perhaps the ball tomorrow night would tell him what he needed to learn. He could wait for the opportunity. He was a patient man. Whoever this man turned out to be, he would never get the opportunity to be alone with Lyssa Andrews. No, he would make sure this debutante remained a virgin until she wed.

“How can you know he’s the one?”

This sensation she was feeling couldn’t possibly be grounded in fact. There was no logic or rational thought. It had to be infatuation or perhaps lust driving her. “You can’t have known him for more than a minute.

“Love at first sight is how I see the situation.” She lifted delicate shoulders, her grin giving away all that lustful fascination she must feel. “He checks off all the characteristics I want in a man.”

He found himself to be too curious about these features she was going to describe. Was feeling as if he wanted to know what she thought. The devil…he had to ask, a half smile on his face, “What are those characteristics?”

“You want to know?”

She sipped the brandy while her gaze roamed the length of him one too many times, finally resting on his eyes. Moving forward on the chair she sat, she appeared eager to answer. Good God, at least she didn’t stare at his mouth this time.

“I asked. Didn’t I?”

She had the boldness to toss him a cheeky grin. “Well…to begin with…tall, he is very tall. I always wanted a man with black hair as well as sky blue eyes although those characteristics aren’t as important as broad shoulders and stomach muscles that are hard as rocks. Don’t like men who harbor paunches. Means they overindulge. Don’t appreciate debauchery of any sort.”

Shifting uncomfortably, he walked to the window. If he turned now, she would see the growing bulge beneath his trousers. “That’s quite the list. You say you met this man today? What about his personality? That’s important too.” He rocked back on his heels, beginning to get his body under control. “He might be a woman beater.”

“Oh, there is more. Would you like me to go on?” She sounded far too enthusiastic for his comfort.

Quickly, he strode to his massive desk to sit down behind it. Hide might be the more appropriate term. The size of the man seemed to swallow her whole. “I believe it’s rather obvious what you want in a man. What you are thinking will not last a lifetime. There is more to a man than a hard stomach along with broad shoulders.”

“I haven’t even begun to elaborate.” She shifted in her chair, one finger touching her chin as if in thought.

“Perhaps you should go dress for dinner.”

The need for distance from this little piece of baggage prompted the statement. He was uncomfortable with this description, which sounded far too close to him to feel comfortable.

Finding someone suitable to court her would be his mission the next few weeks. He would have to find a way to take her mind from the unidentified man. The sooner she was spoken for the better for him. The sooner she was out of his home he could breathe.

“You always dress for dinner? At my home we don’t, simply because we’re usually coming in from chores. We wash up. Mother won’t let anyone into the house unless they’ve washed. Father always complains. His complaints are to tease mother”

“Suit yourself,” he muttered wishing she would leave for a few minutes. “Dress or don’t dress, I don’t care.”

“Well…” She set the empty brandy glass on his desk. “It might be fun to try out some of the new wardrobe Aunt Ella spent a fortune on for me. If I dress for you, can we see the horses after dinner?”

He grunted.

~ * ~

She took that as a good sign.

Lyssa was pleased. The moment she saw the man, she fell head-over-heels, hopelessly in love with him. More than anything else she wanted to see him smile. She supposed being an earl he had a lot of duties that would keep him serious. Uncle Drake had a lot to do. He always found time to smile. Of course, his smiles were most always directed toward Aunt Ella as well as his children. She wanted Black to smile at her the way Uncle Drake grinned wickedly at Aunt Ella. Wished his gaze would lovingly follow her around the room just as her father watched her mother. The two of them were still madly in love with each other. She wanted a man who would be irrevocably in love with her in twenty or thirty years; longer, if possible, if life looked on them favorably.

Lyssa stepped back from the mirror in her room. She turned sideways to examine herself, shoved her face close to the mirror to pinch her cheeks. She applied a small amount of makeup to highlight her eyes as well as her lips. The color was not overdone, still she wondered what he would think. Jess complained about makeup on the women he saw.

Now, she stood back. She wanted him to see more of her. Needed to find a means to tempt him. Jess, her brother, told her inadvertently all the ways to drive a man crazy with lust. Lyssa was certain doing so would take all that and more to entice the stuffy earl. She sensed he was a man of inordinate control. Known as a rake around town meant he would know women as well as how to give a woman pleasure.

Damn and blast his power. She didn’t understand this pleasure thing.

For now, she understood that he liked her breasts. He stared at them often enough. This gown was too modest by far. All she need do would be to remove the modesty piece. Quickly, she did just that.

She smiled. Her corset thrust her breasts upward. The valley between them was quite visible. Flaunting herself might not get the desired result. No, she meant to play coy as if she didn’t understand what the sight would do to all his male sensibilities. He wouldn’t know that aunty Ella made certain at the dressmakers all her gowns were suitable for a young debutante. This gown with the lacy piece removed was anything but appropriate. Unable to help her wayward thoughts, she grinned at herself in the mirror then thought of the French court, the decadent fashions that came from the country.

Lyssa didn’t care. Not when the man she meant to be her husband was the only male seeing more of her than was deemed proper. She shivered suddenly understanding implicitly there was a fine line that would separate her from a naïve debutante solely relying on her elders’ opinions and the trollop he might believe her to be. No matter the cost though, she meant to be his. She could play the innocent with him. Never in her wildest thoughts would she do something so obvious when there would be other men seeing her. From the moment she set her eyes on him, she knew they were meant to be together. He was the man of all her dreams. She hoped someday she would be the woman of his dreams.

With trepidation in her heart and mind, she walked down the long winding stairs to the drawing room. Her heart thundered beneath her chest, pounding painfully. What little oxygen she could draw into her lungs did little to help her nerves. Negligently, he leaned against the mantle by the fireplace drinking what she assumed to be brandy. Instinctively, she absorbed a deep breath of air that didn’t seem to go past her throat.

Her wish came true.

As she prayed, his gaze rested on her breasts, specifically on the exposed valley between them.

The ever-present scowl that seemed to be always a part of his features deepened. It appeared he wrestled his gaze from her breasts to her face. Her smile was hesitant. She tilted her head demurely, innocently, while she fluttered her lashes.

“You look lovely tonight, Miss Andrews,” he murmured as he stepped forward offering her his arm before proceeding to the dining room as if she wasn’t showing him exactly what she shouldn’t. When she looked down, she almost saw her nipples. He would see what she offered to him.

His comment was not what she expected. Damn and blast, she anticipated a comment of disapproval, anger possibly. His glower certainly spoke that way. Perhaps he was biding his time, working to control his irritation.

He always glowers. He’s stuffy. No, he’s stodgy. Well, damnation, what difference did the word make?

What did she foresee? After the first sighting of her blatantly revealed charms, it appeared he ignored her. Found no interest in what she deliberately exhibited. He pulled out a chair for her to sit before walking to his own chair. All the while, his gaze remained fixed on her face, her eyes, not her lips which she moistened. She ran her tongue along her bottom lip then repeated the performance. Jess told her men couldn’t resist a woman who did so. Blatantly, she stared at his mouth.

“What are we having for dinner?” She set the tip of one finger on the moistened bottom lip imploring his gaze to rest there also.

It seemed to her he looked as if he wanted to devour her as his gaze slipped from her mouth to her breasts then back to her mouth. His silver blue eyes darkened to deep pewter rimmed in blue.

“Haven’t the vaguest notion, nor do I care.”

His bland voice told her he was indeed seeing her in a different light. He wasn’t immune to her charms. He was interested.

“Oh. Aren’t you hungry?”

She positively hoped he was now hungry for her. Lyssa imagined the way his mouth would feel when his lips covered hers as well as when his tongue touched upon hers.

The dinner proceeded in stilted silence. As he ignored her, Lyssa’s appetite dissolved. She picked at her food. Whatever thoughts he formed about her were going to remain in his head. She fidgeted with her silverware. Looked at him beneath lowered lashes for heart stopping seconds.

When he sat back seemingly finished, his hands folded and resting on his hard belly, he observed her. Finally, he spoke, “Would you like to pick out a horse? I’ll have your mount brought into town for the duration of our visit. The duchess told me two days after the ball there is to be a recital. You will sing. You are supposedly very talented. Ella also pointed out you have the voice of an angel.” He met her gaze with his own. “Do you? Do you have the voice of an angel? Perhaps your aunt is prejudice. Maybe she misspoke.”

“I wouldn’t know.”

She wanted to toss the glass of wine in his face. Needed to spark some emotion rather than the bland indifference he courted her with. Instead of his interest flaming, she received bored unresponsive looks for her efforts. Perhaps she needed to try something different, another ploy Jess spoke of.

Well, tomorrow would be another day. She would think on the measures she could employ tonight. There would be time for further thought during the carriage ride to the city. They headed to the stable. Outside, the night was warm. Before she left the house, she wrapped a shawl around her shoulders.

Inside the earl’s stable, the sight of magnificent horseflesh greeted her. She ran her hand down the nose of every horse, sweet-talking her way down one side then the other.

“The Appaloosa, I want that one to ride while I’m here. The mare is gorgeous.”

She wanted that horse forever. The only way she would accomplish that was if she won the earl’s heart. The stuffy man was proving more difficult than she thought. Quickly, she reminded herself she’d known him for less than eight hours.

What had she believed? That one look at her cleavage would leave him drooling for her. That he would bend his knee to the ground then propose she spend a lifetime with him. The man must see cleavage whenever he wished.

Hah!

She now understood a bit of cleavage would not bend a notorious rake to her will. He probably saw cleavage most every day of his life. The only reason Ella picked him for the chaperone duties were because she knew he wouldn’t cave to her wiles. Of course, Ella didn’t know she fell in love with the man the moment she saw him. Her aunt also didn’t know she would do absolutely anything to win his heart. If she had to, she would climb into his bed.

“I’ll have the mare brought to the city tomorrow morning. Unless you would like to ride her there.”

“You would allow that?”

Lyssa didn’t comprehend the underlying note of sarcasm in her question. What she did note was the lifting of his raven-black eyebrow.

“I’m not the ogre you seem to believe me to be or a tyrant as you implied earlier. If you wish to ride part of the way to the city, I’ve no objections. For myself, I do prefer a good horse beneath me instead of a closed in carriage where there is little to no air to breathe. That environment makes a man claustrophobic.”

His comment about the ogre-tyrant stung. “It’s just the rules you laid out for me. I don’t like to think I have to ask every time I want to do something or go somewhere. That’s not something that has been a part of my life. I rarely have to ask permission.”

“The rules are for your protection, not to make you irritable. Since I’ve taken over this chore, I mean to do the chaperoning right. I’m assuming where you live you’ve trusted ranch hands that oversee your quest around the range”

“Me? My protection. I don’t need to be safe guarded.” She placed a hand on her chest exactly where she wanted his gaze to travel. “Irritable? I’m not the least bit…” she broke off then realizing that was exactly what she was, although her burgeoning annoyance was his fault.

He let his head fall back as he roared with laughter. “Yes, you. Irritable as well as conniving. I know Ella well enough to know she wouldn’t allow you to wear a dress that revealed so much of you. Where is the modesty piece? If you show up in something so skimpy tomorrow, I’ll march you upstairs then dress you myself.”

That was the best idea she’d ever heard. Lyssa beamed at his suggestion then thinking better of her smirk, dropped her hand, noting with satisfaction the direction of his gaze. She set her hands on her hips while she thrust out her large chest for his scrutiny. Perhaps she did interest him.

He turned away.

She smirked.

“You should retire for the night.”

His voice was gruff, didn’t sound at all like him.

She recalled his father’s voice when he wanted her mother in the bedroom. They were much the same. “We should ride. The moon is bright. It will make the jaunt enjoyable.”

“Do you need help with your saddle?” he asked while he leaned against the stall, his pose giving none of his emotions away.

She was thrilled he wanted to ride tonight. Had not expected agreement to her proposal. “No, just point me to the saddle you’d like me to use. I’ve always saddled my horses. If it is not too heavy, I’m fine.”

“Even in that gown? Never mind, I suppose you ride astride too.”

The tone could not be ignored. Censure seemed to coat every word as if he disapproved. His annoyance over this small issue surprised her.

Damn and blast, the earl was going to have to get used to her if they were to do well together. “Bottom line, if forced to ride sidesaddle, I’d fall off. I cannot ride in such a ridiculous manner. Have never done…tried that horrific position? Have you?” Her sarcasm as well as her meaning was obvious even to a deaf ear.

One eyebrow rose. This was his turn to smirk. There was no other word for the expression. Well, she wanted to see a full-blown grin, not a smirk at her position. He went on to say, “A woman, a debutante, should understand the complexities of riding both ways. The nobility here in London look down their long-pointed noses at a woman who chooses to be too unique. I would warn you, though, to be aware of that fact. As for me, don’t see how a woman stays on a horse when she doesn’t open her legs for the ride.”

She comprehended his words held a double entendre. She just didn’t understand the second meaning. Mayhap she should ask. No, another time might work better. “Do you?” Lyssa was creeping closer to losing her formidable temper at the man.

“Do I what?” he asked sounding totally unknowing as to the question at hand.

“Look down your long-pointed nose at women who…? Who doesn’t open their legs to ride?”

She couldn’t repeat the words. If he answered yes to the question, she had a great deal of work cut out for her.

She was annoyed and irritated by his bark of laughter. He didn’t answer her question.

Faced with the saddling, she grunted. Heaved. Grunted again while she tried to saddle the horse. Her arms shook with the weight. Despite her best effort the damn saddle was too heavy for her. At home she had a saddle she could easily take on and off her horse. She let out a puffy breath of air thoroughly frustrated with her inability to prove herself competent to this man she wanted to adore even while at this moment she was having the greatest urge to cosh him over the head. In this she wanted to prove to the earl she was capable. He’d already told her she couldn’t pick out a stallion because her arms were too scrawny to keep the animal under wraps. Now this. Giving up, she finally admitted defeat. “It’s too heavy.”

His grin widened. He told her so, by his expression. If she couldn’t presume to lift a saddle of his choosing, she wouldn’t have the muscle if the stallion decided he didn’t like the direction she pointed him to keep the horse in line. She had strong legs, knew how to use her knees to guide a horse.

He didn’t say anything. In a blink her Appaloosa was saddled. She could not complain over much. The mare was gorgeous. Her front was a blanket of dark brown. Her white flanks sported irregular shaped brown spots. After Lyssa mounted, she set off at a brisk canter, not caring if he wasn’t ready.

Suddenly, he rode beside her. He rode bare back, his hair rakishly long having lost the ribbon that held the length in place flew in the breeze they created. The man was as majestic as the nearly pure gray stallion he rode. Black was one with his horse.

Magnificent.

Splendid.

At the sight of man and beast working so well together, her heart beat double time. Lyssa knew all along the man would ride brilliantly. Every muscle in his body exuded primal masculinity. Before she could move her horse away, he grabbed the reins.

The earlier smirk vanished to become another deep scowl. “Never take off without me again,” his words a low growl. “Not only is the night dark, you have no notion where you are going.”

Taken aback momentarily, she rambled, “The moon…” she looked upward to the black velvet of the night laced with twinkling stars then back to him, “is bright.”

It wasn’t. However, she thought the suggestion might help him overlook her foolishness. At home she was never foolish or impulsive.

“Manages to conceal in shadows what one should be able to see. As I said, do not ever ride alone. I will be with you or you won’t ride. I can just as easily have the mounts taken back to Blackmore estate if you choose to disregard my ruling.”

Even though she knew he was right, indignation rose, fluttered in her chest before her furry erupted. She wasn’t accustomed to be chastised so blatantly. “You cannot dictate to me! I’m not a little girl!”

At that moment she experienced a decided change of heart where the man was concerned. Damn and blast, he hadn’t bothered to saddle his stallion.

“Stop acting like a spoiled brat.”

“How dare you?”

She wanted to spur her horse forward, escape this humiliation.

After that, he had the boldness to remain silent. The man wasn’t going to gift her with a retort. Well, he’d find out soon enough she was a liberated woman. She would come and go as she pleased with or without his consent. Telling him her every move would preclude her future with the man. She had to set him straight before doing so was too late. Training as well as taming this man to her way would not be an easy task. Nonetheless, they were tasks that needed to be done.

First things first. Before she could have a future, she needed him to see her as someone other than the helpless debutante he was supposed to chaperone. He needed to see her as a woman; powerful, independent.

“Are you intelligent enough to understand?” He tossed the reins back at her. “Do I have to elaborate further?” He cocked an insipidly condescending eyebrow.

The tilted supercilious eyebrow was a gesture she positively wasn’t enamored of. If she never saw him raise another eyebrow at her, the moment would be too soon. “I know what I think as well as what I want. No one has ever tried to be my watchdog. At home I was allowed to come and go as I pleased. That won’t change here no matter your commands.”

By his expression she comprehended her words would never sway him to allow the freedom she craved. There were other ways to get what she wanted as she understood she could turn the situation around to her favor.

“Very well. Where are we going?”

“Your easy compliance doesn’t ring true, Lys. It would behoove you to take my words seriously. If you don’t, you won’t enjoy the consequences of your disobedience.”

Consequences of my disobedience?

He was just too damn calm, too domineering. It seemed he thought he had the entire world under his thumb. She didn’t intend to find herself under his thumb despite her mushrooming love for him. She paused in thought. Perhaps it would be nice to find herself under his big muscular body. Her imagination kept falling short of those feelings though she wished to discover more.

Prudently, Lyssa decided not to pursue the topic of consequences coupled with disobedience. “Where did you get this horse?”

That question seemed to be a good diversion for her.

“Changing the subject, are we? Maybe that is a splendid idea. I did, however, expect you to ask about the punishments. I would expect you to be curious. Your overactive imagination must be doing tailspins.”

She tossed her head back. Pins holding her hair in place flew. Strands of her long hair fell down her back. The feeling of her hair unbound always delighted her. It was also a means, as Jess told her, to catch a man’s attention. A man liked to run his hands through a woman’s hair he told her one day when he found her cursing the tangles.

“There won’t be any consequences to my behavior.”

She literally loved the slant of his mouth, as he seemed to mull over her words.

“Why is that?”

She detected a note of laughter in his question. He was pursuing the topic. She liked that while she did want to learn what he would do if she disobeyed one of his rules, she wasn’t going to push his hand tonight. She would be a model prisoner to the tyrant’s ruling power; the very picture of decorum until she wasn’t.

She flashed him a saucy grin. “Your rules won’t be broken by me. Hence, there will be no punishment or consequences. Nonetheless, I don’t believe you’ve the right to dictate as you seem wont to do.”

She meant to be constantly at his side asking permission for this or that. He wasn’t going to find a single moment of peace for himself. By the time she finished with him, he would cave to her every wish.

“You are welcome to your belief. Come, let’s return to the stable. The carriage will depart in the morning at six.”

If he expected to get a reaction from the early hour, he wouldn’t. Working on the ranch all her life, she woke up early. The hour of departure was nothing new to her. She wasn’t enamored of lying around in bed. Although, she paused in thought, while she stared at his profile, lying in bed all morning with that man might indeed be something she would enjoy.

“So late,” she asked while she lowered her lashes for a moment. “We could leave earlier. Didn’t you tell me I could ride the Appaloosa?”

“You can, you might not…well, it’s a long ride. You might want to take the carriage the latter part of the trip.”

She bristled, her back rigid with the implication he slashed out to her. Truly, he had no idea what type of woman he dealt with. This man didn’t know who she was. “I can sit a horse for hours on end. My father’s ranch is a working ranch, you understand. Can you?” she challenged. Couldn’t help the grin when she looked at his sour disposition.

“We shall see.”

She pulled a sharp breath of air into her lungs before she sent it out in a rush of understanding. “You don’t like me.”

Her blurted words got her another frown from him. If he didn’t like her, she would have to change that before she could win him over. Maybe she shouldn’t be so sarcastic. She did want him to like her before he loved her. She thought of her parents’ love story. Her mother liked her father then she despised him for what he was. After that she turned an about-face when she fell in love.

“It isn’t that,” he began by hedging. “Your presence here has come as a shock. This is a bachelor abode as is my home in London. Never expected Ella to call in a favor such as this one. Don’t know what to do with a young debutante.”

“It’s true. Ella did.”

“Ella did,” he repeated. “I’m sorely inept at chaperoning a young lady, a debutante.”

“Can you please stop referring to me as a beginner. I’m not.” The gallant earl did not miss her huffy tone.

“You are not a beginner? Then what pray tell are you?” Once more an eyebrow lifted. “You have vast knowledge as well as experience in the art of love? In what men and women do together when they are in bed?”

“Didn’t say that,” she muttered dispirited by the turn in conversation. It seemed every word she spoke made matters between them worse.

“You are a beginner.”

“Told you I wasn’t,” she shot back, determined to make him understand.

“Are you purposely trying to confound me?”

“Well, no, of course not. I don’t know anything about love, save what Jess tells me.”

Lyssa had not meant to blurt that. He would query her. She didn’t want him to know things about her until she was ready.

“Who is Jess?”

“My brother.”

Damn, she should have told him something else, anything else. Should have told him Jess was her lover.

“Your brother talks to you about love?”

His voice faltered for a moment. He seemed to come a bit unhinged.

Lyssa would love to know what he was thinking. “As I said before, he doesn’t know he’s telling me. He’s either talking to his friends or he allows little things to slip. I’ve seen mother and father in bed. She’s always hiding beneath the sheets. He’s always laughing. They both tell me to leave. Since I’ve grown up, haven’t ventured into their domain again.”

“Thank God!”

In her defense she felt as if an explanation was needed. “We were little. Sometimes I’d go in there because of a nightmare. Sometimes I just needed to cuddle.”

“You never saw them…?”

She laughed at his look of horror. “Never saw much. They were always underneath the covers. Heard some things though.” She grinned at his look of displeasure. “Have a few thoughts. You could tell me or explain more thoroughly.”

“This conversation needs an end.”

Boldly, she continued, understood this was not the direction he wanted to take. “I was going to ask you what some of what I overheard meant. Most the time it was just masculine groans along with puffy little feminine sighs. I did hear father growl mother’s name once.”

“Lyssa.” He waved his hand in the air. “This is something your new beau will want to speak of with you or teach you. It is not suitable for me to commence explaining to you what any of this means. I’m your chaperone not your lover.”

His voice turned husky. She had an idea what that might mean. She’d heard that sound before from her father as well as the duke when he thought he was alone with Ella.

It was appropriate, she wanted to yell at him. You’re my new beau. “Didn’t think about that,” she told him feeling subdued for the time being.

It was far too soon to tell him he was the man she fell in love with at first sight. There were no thoughts in her head as to how to proceed with that information. To fight another day would be her mantra. Tomorrow would be soon enough. The ball would serve her purpose. Jealousy might be a good ploy to utilize. After tonight, she didn’t think he would be jealous if he watched her dance with someone else. He told her in vivid terms that he wouldn’t allow her to be in the presence of a known rake.

None except him. She beamed. She was living with a notorious rake. He was the rake she fell in love with. Could her life be any better?

The thoughts did give her good reasons to smile, at least for a few seconds.

They were at the stable. The night ride seeming to be over before the jaunt began.

“Do any of your lady friends ever scream your name?” she asked while she watched him hang her saddle on a rail.

Lyssa kept her face averted. She heard Jess speaking about just that very thing. “Jess told his friend that the woman of the night before screamed his name. He was very pleased with his prowess.”

“Lyssa…” he growled. “Enough questions.”

“Does it puff up your chest when that happens? Jess says it makes him feel really good because it means he gave his lover pleasure. Do you give your lovers pleasure? I know you have them, lovers, mistresses. Do you have a mistress? So, don’t deny anything.”

“Wouldn’t dream of denial,” he said, his voice lacking emotion.

“Is that what it means?” she persisted while she understood she ventured into dangerous territory. “I’d like to feel pleasure, whatever that is, in my lover’s arms.”

“Lyssa!” he growled out her name again.

She looked at him. Well, her gaze riveted on him. Followed the line of his body to his crotch. He looked different. Immediately, as if he had something he wanted to hide, he moved to the other side of his stallion to give him food. She wondered at that.

“You can’t blame me for my curiosity. While I told you I’m not a beginner, there are questions in my head I’ve no answer for. Do your ladies scream your name?” Courageously, or maybe foolishly, she asked again.

She understood he wasn’t at all pleased with the question.

Keeping her queries in her head was not something she was used to doing. “A girl should know. I do believe if you gave me pleasure, I’d scream out Blacky.”

The tick in his jaw increased in speed. “It’s time you went to bed, little girl. I’ll finish up here.”

“I can take a hint.”

The little girl part was a slap in the face.

“Can you? I haven’t noticed.”

“You should look more closely. I didn’t mean to make you angry. You’re so easy to tease. If I wait for you, will you walk me to my bed? Will you tell me more about pleasure? Perhaps tuck me in for the night?”

“Lyssa!”

~ * ~

“Not at all certain paring Lyssa with the earl was a good idea.” Drake Montgomerie leaned on the rail of the ship as they pulled up anchor.

In a few minutes, they would leave London behind. Their search for Nickie would take them east then north onto the North Sea. Their first stop would be McClellan Castle. If Nickie wasn’t there, they would continue to Dornoch, Collin’s ancestral home. If not there, they would try the Earl of Blackmore’s hunting lodge in the far reaches of northern Scotland.

“It’s all wrong to allow Black to chaperone Lyssa Andrews. I do, however, believe with all my heart she is the breath of fresh air the man needs. I’m hoping a bit of matchmaking on my part will help our friend find love. Do you realize the girl was so bold to tell Black she would make him smile? He’s been a good friend. I want to see him happy. Truly believe Lyssa can do that for him,” Ella said while she leaned against her husband, his strong arms surrounding her.

Drake always, well, almost always made her happy. Once she got by that first rocky decision she made, she understood he was the only man for her. It wasn’t easy though, putting her reputation on the line for his insecurities.

“What if she runs off with him?” Drake asked squeezing her closer to him. “We’ll have two charges to search for. I don’t like the thought that history might repeat itself. Good God, he could take her to Lakota territory! We would never find her.”

“He will resist her until he can’t do so any longer. If that happens, I believe he will marry her in the way of his people, the Sioux. That will suffice until she can wed him in the way of the English. I did see the way they looked at each other.”

Behind her Ella felt his hard arousal. The steel rod against her backside pleased her.

“He will compromise her. You know that. Is that what you want?” Drake said as he placed tiny kisses along the back of his wife’s neck.

His hand now cupping her breast beneath the shawl she wore. He flicked his thumb across the tight bud.

She turned in his arms. His kiss stopped the words she planned to say from bubbling from her lips. When he finished the kiss, “Black will resist her until she has him firmly wrapped around her little finger. As I said, he will wed her in the way of Sioux. If you recall, you compromised me. All turned out well in the end.”

“Think so?”

One of his ducal eyebrows shot upward in a perfect arch.

“Know so,” Ella told him feeling smug about her plan to find a wife for Black as well as a husband for Lyssa.

The pair were made for each other. “I don’t care if he makes love to her before the wedding. We both know someone who did just that. All turned out for the best in their case, now, didn’t it? I’m not a hypocrite where love is concerned. Will never judge anyone, especially my nieces.”

“You’re making a damn bad chaperone for your charges. What did the first duchess say to you?”

Quickly she shot back, “Time will tell.”

“For now, I’m going to accept what you’ve told me. Lyssa is your sister’s daughter. She’s been brought up in the west. I’m sure there will be no end to surprises for Black. She seems to have a way of saying what’s on her mind without thinking.”

“Like I said, a breath of fresh air for the stodgy man.”

“Impulsiveness is not always the best.”

“True, all that you say. I’m not implying their journey will be easy. It won’t. I know Lyssa is in love with him.”

“If she is anything like you, he will not be able to resist her persistent nature,” Drake said as he ran his hands along Ella’s arms.

She shivered with the passion he so easily created. “He will find himself blindsided by her innocence. She will be blatantly surprising. While she is nothing like the white women he is used to, he will fall victim to her honesty. He will want to touch her, make love to her. Eventually, he will give in to his needs.”

“You believe he will keep his hands to himself.”

“No, however the question is how long it will take him to give in to his passion for her. I saw that desire blossom the first time he looked at Lyssa. The passion shimmered in her eyes too.”

“Just be advised this scheme of yours could all backfire.”

Ella pulled in a large breath of air, thinking on all Drake said. “I will take that under advisement. Right now, however, our biggest concern is Nickie. I’m sure she also follows her heart. She might be increasing by the time we reach her. She will have a big decision to make.”

“The McInnis pup has a great deal to account for. A man can’t run off with a well-born lady. He’s not above the law.”

“I won’t have you threatening them. Not when I’m sure the pair are in love and will eventually do the right thing. Just as we eventually did.”

Drake turned her in his arms. His kiss was devastatingly sweet. Ella knew Drake would do as he damn well pleased in this matter. Damn the consequences. If Nickie loved the rake, she would fight for him.

“You know I will. I plan to put the fear of God in the young’un. He has to understand the family he is dealing with. When he does, their future together will go much easier for him. Shall we retire down stairs to discover further pleasures?”

“Thought you would never ask.”